Kim Min-seok Visits Busan, Promises Support for Local Issues

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, visited Busan on October 16, promising to include the spirit of the Busan-Miracle Democratic Uprising in the constitutional preamble and to support local issues such as the Arctic shipping route and the North Port Dome Arena. This visit comes two weeks after a budget policy meeting in Busan, as Kim aims to strengthen ties with the public in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam (PK) region ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Kim and the party leadership held a field meeting at the Busan City Party headquarters. He stated, "The Democratic Party has always felt that Busan is 'our region.' Holding a Supreme Council meeting in Busan will become a familiar sight for the citizens here." He added, "I will visit often so that it feels like, 'Oh, he’s back again, he always comes.'"

Kim committed to unwaveringly pursue the inclusion of the Busan-Miracle Democratic Uprising spirit in the constitutional preamble and to support the completion of Busan as a maritime capital. He said, "We will not only work on uncovering the truth about the Busan-Miracle Democratic Uprising and restoring the honor of its victims but also ensure the inclusion of its spirit in the constitutional preamble. The Arctic Shipping Route Special Act and the Arctic Shipping Route Committee will be established, and we will diligently manage follow-up tasks related to the law's implementation."

He also expressed the party's commitment to actively support the social policies being promoted by Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo. He noted the political landscape in Busan, where the opposition currently holds all 18 parliamentary seats, saying, "In the current political environment, all 18 seats in Busan are held by the opposition. It would be beneficial for the Democratic Party leadership, including myself, to work together with the citizens of Busan to support the mayor and drive the city's development. We will dedicate ourselves to the citizens of Busan."

Later that afternoon, Kim attended the 47th anniversary ceremony of the Busan-Miracle Democratic Uprising and visited the Busan Port Authority to discuss fostering the port as a hub for the Arctic shipping route.

Kim will stay in Busan for three days and two nights, continuing his regional activities. On the 17th, he plans to visit Jagalchi Market to hear from citizens and tour the site designated for the North Port Dome Arena. On the 18th, he will hold discussions with local Democratic Party leaders from Busan's basic local governments to address regional issues.